Mitigation of Alkali-Silica Reaction While Using Highly Reactive Aggregates with Class C fly ash and Reduction in Water to Cementitious Ratio

Aggregates containing certain siliceous minerals can react with soluble alkalies in concrete, sometimes resulting in detrimental expansion and cracking of concrete structures. Alkali-silica reactivity (ASR), which was first reported in the late 1930’s, is now known worldwide. The alkali-silica reaction forms a gel that swells as it draws water from the surrounding cement paste. ASR-induced cracking can exacerbate other deterioration mechanisms such as those that occur in frost, deicer, or sulfate exposures. ASR can be controlled.